ATP News : 2006


Davydenko Prevails Over Haas; Federer Eliminates Blake

Seventh-seeded Russian Nikolay Davydenko advanced to the second Grand Slam semifinal of his career with an exciting 4-6, 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory over No. 14 seed Tommy Haas of Germany Thursday

www.atptennis.com The 3 hour-45 minute marathon had more twists and turns than a roller coaster. Haas came out a bit sluggish after two five-set matches in a row that were decided by tie-breaks. But Davydenko looked a bit nervous himself, and Haas quickly took control.

The 28-year-old German seemed to be headed for a straight set victory until Davydenko broke him in the eighth game of the third set. When the 25-year-old Russian served out the set in the next game, the momentum suddenly shifted. Davydenko rode the wave to a fourth set victory.

Then the real drama began. Davydenko broke Haas in the first game of the fifth set, and it looked like the German was on his last legs. But he quickly broke back. Still Davydenko soldiered on, running out to a 5-2 lead. But Haas pulled back to 5-4, saving a match point in the eighth game. In the 10th game, Haas jumped to a 15-40 lead and looked ready to even things once more. But Davydenko engineered another comeback of his own and ended the proceedings on his second match point.

Many of the points were outstanding, with both men banging prodigious ground strokes from the baseline off both wings. Each player also made occasional forays to the net. While Haas is the better volleyer, Davydenko actually had more success at the net. The Russian won 34 of his 47 trips to the net (72 percent), compared to 25 of 42 (60 percent) for Haas.

Winners, Errors, Records

As you'd expect in a match so close, the duo had about the same number of winners (49 for Haas/54 for Davydenko) and unforced errors (54 for Haas/50 for Davydenko).

The win kept Davydenko's record against Haas perfect at 2-0. Davydenko lifted his 2006 record to 54-22, while Haas slipped to 43-16.

Davydenko has taken three titles this year (New Haven, Sopot and Poertschach), putting him behind only Roger Federer with seven and Rafael Nadal with five. Davydenko is in the midst of a 10-match winning streak begun at New Haven two weeks ago.

Davydenko's other Grand Slam semifinal came at Roland Garros last year (l. to Puerta). His best previous showing at the US Open was a third round finish in 2004. His five wins in New York this year put his career record there at 10-5.

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